On 17 December 2024, the European Parliament overwhelmingly voted to extend the transition period for the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) until 30 December 2025. Of 650 Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), 546 supported the extension, reflecting broad consensus on the need for additional time to prepare for the regulation's full implementation.
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The revised timeline now requires the European Commission to finalise the country benchmarking system by June 2025. The EUDR will become binding on 30 December 2025. During the transition period, raw materials and products that fall under the scope of the regulation, originating between 29 June 2023 and 30 December 2025, may continue to be traded under the rules of the European Union Timber Regulation (EUTR) until 31 December 2028.
Alongside the extension, the Parliament adopted a protocol tasking the European Commission with reducing the regulation's reporting and documentation requirements to the minimum necessary. The Commission is also charged with clarifying and streamlining compliance processes. A statement from the protocol affirms the Commission's commitment to delivering a risk categorisation proposal and an information system well ahead of the regulation's application date, with a deadline of six months before its implementation.
The provision leaves room for a further delay should the benchmarking system not be finalised by June 2025, ensuring flexibility in the face of any unforeseen challenges.
Next steps include the EU Council's written approval of the amendments on 18 December 2024, followed by the President's formal signature on 19 December 2024. The revised text is set to be published in the Official Journal on 23 December 2024, at which point it will become legally binding.
This extension marks a significant development in the EU's effort to balance regulatory enforcement with the practical realities faced by member states and stakeholders. The emphasis on simplification and clear guidance underscores the Commission's intention to ensure a smooth transition while upholding the regulation's objectives.
More information:
Main Association of the German Wood Industry
[email protected]
www.holzindustrie.de